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University of Wisconsin-Whitewater vs University of Wisconsin-Stout: which has better ROI?

Public, Whitewater WI · vs · Public, Menomonie WI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Wisconsin-Stout has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,960 in 7.2 years versus 8.1 years at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, on median earnings of $58,084 vs $55,356 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Wisconsin-WhitewaterUniversity of Wisconsin-Stout
Net price / yr$14,158$17,490
Total net cost$56,632$69,960
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,356$58,084
Median debt$23,188$23,000
Payback8.1 yrs7.2 yrs
20-year net return$83,288$124,520

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin-Stout?

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, at $14,158 a year after aid versus $17,490 — a gap of $3,332 a year, or $13,328 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn more?

University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates report a median $58,084 ten years after entry, $2,728 more than the $55,356 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin-Stout?

University of Wisconsin-Stout: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $23,188 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a difference of $188. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

59% of students finish at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, against 55% at University of Wisconsin-Stout. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater vs University of Wisconsin-Stout: frequently asked questions

Is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin-Stout a better value?
University of Wisconsin-Stout. It clears its $69,960 net cost in about 7.2 years versus 8.1 years at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, on median earnings of $58,084 vs $55,356 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin-Stout?
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: $14,158/yr net price after aid versus $17,490/yr at University of Wisconsin-Stout — a difference of $3,332 a year, or about $13,328 over four years.
Do University of Wisconsin-Whitewater or University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates earn a median $58,084 ten years after entry, versus $55,356 at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — a $2,728 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.